Catholic Answers Live #12547 Does John 14:13-14 Support Prosperity Gospel Claims? - Tim Staples
Jan 15, 2026
Tim Staples, a senior apologist and author, dives into the misinterpretation of John 14:13-14 by prosperity gospel preachers. He emphasizes the importance of doctrinal context and critiques how Isaiah 53 is misconstrued. Staples shares insights on Maximilian Kolbe's intense Marian devotion and discusses the unique role of Mary as the new Eve. He also touches on our heavenly work as described in Genesis, suggesting an active communion with God that includes joy and stewardship.
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Promises Need Context And Discernment
- John 14:13–14 and similar promises express God's desire to give good things and salvation, not a blanket guarantee of every temporal request.
- Tim Staples warns these texts must be tempered by recognizing God's sovereign will and that sometimes the good comes through the cross.
Answered Prayer Can Be A 'No' For Good
- St. Paul's thorn shows prayer doesn't always get the answer we want and God can say no for a greater good.
- Tim uses 2 Corinthians 12 to show God's 'no' can produce reliance on grace and sanctifying strength.
Don't Read Spiritual Texts As Automatic Wealth Promises
- Avoid equating Isaiah 53:5 and similar texts with guaranteed physical or financial prosperity.
- Tim advises against the prosperity leap that treats 'by his stripes we were healed' as automatic temporal fortune.
